Fond memories of Adelaide Oval: Agarkar

Australian wrecker-in-chief in the Adelaide Oval Test in 2003, Ajit Agarkar speaks about injuries, bowling and of course the Adelaide test

You have been out of the side for sometime…
Well I haven't recovered from the injury. But in seven to ten days I am planning to get match fit. It is really frustrating to get injured in the middle of the season.

Indian fast bowlers get injured more often than they play?
That is not the case only with our bowlers. It is happening all around the world. Just because two or three bowlers from our squad have got injured at the same time it has been highlighted. It is basically about how fit you can yourself even after the injury. Bowling is a very physical job. You need to do a lot of work out even off the field.

Rehab is an issue?
It sometimes becomes difficult in terms of rehabilitation. The rehab process is not too easy for a Ranji player to monitor. Any player whether in domestic cricket or international would want to come back, no one would want to sit idle. As a player or a bowler you want to play as much as possible.

To make a comeback for a bowler, the right kind of advice is needed. At the domestic level we need someone to monitor the injury. A physio or trainer on a full time basis makes a big difference. At NCA (National Cricket Academy) we have got a trainer who has come with Dav Whatmore.

That has been an area of concern. Definitely, when given a rest it does help to heal the injury. But healing doesn't mean that we are fit to play. The full body needs to be in good condition to play again.

What was the plan of action before skittling out Australia for a paltry score?
I don't think there was too much time left to plan. The scores were too close. We thought that a couple of wickets in the beginning would make a difference. Apart from that, Laxman and Dravid's partnership in the first innings made the real difference. They brought us too  close to the total.

After which it was for us (bowlers) to get some wickets with the new ball. And it worked. Australian's were in a soup when their number 4 and 5 were batting against the new ball, they were under pressure.

We kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. The wicket was true till the 5th day. Viru and Aakash gave good starts. But I think the most important thing was to get close to the score of the (Australian) first innings. Not many teams lose the match after scoring 550 in the first innings. To be honest it was a great victory.

The current bunch of bowlers are on a great high
The bowlers do not need any tips. They are in the best position to judge after a superb Perth test win. Their confidence definitely would be on a high. I mean, beating Australia in Perth is no small feat. We did that in great style with our bowlers performing splendid. Therefore, the confidence of the bowlers would remain the key in the coming match at Adelaide.

How does it feel not to be a part of this team?
You always want to be part of the team, but only 15 match fit players can go. I'll put up some good performances to get in the team as soon as possible.

How does it feel to be labeled as ODI specialist?
I have never been called as an ODI specialist by anyone. It is the media which has labeled me so. If any players or experts say then I would wonder about it. I've played 26 tests. I don't think I am an ODI specialist. As a player you would want to play both the forms of the game. The key is to stay fit, match fit.

T20, F50 or Test…
You play cricket because you enjoy it. It is about representing your country which is the biggest honour. It's not an issue whether you play a T20, F50 or Test match. The ultimate goal of any player in the country would be to represent the country in any form of the game. Similar is the case with me.

Your economy rate was always a question mark?
As a bowler you want to be economical. There are situations when you can't do much. Also the game has changed so much in the last ten year. Most teams are scoring 300 with real ease. Economy rates have gone up of all bowlers around the world. Definitely, you will have exceptions.

But sometimes you role changes in the team. If you are an opening bowler you get more attacking options. In the first change you can't attack much and the white ball does not do much later in the innings on flat pitches.

With the youth concept in the fore, how do you rate your comeback?
My immediate priority is to get fit. I am injury fit, but match fitness is what I am striving for. I have to play domestic cricket to get my fitness levels up. Being physically fit is not enough, by playing domestic matches I would be able to bowl more and more and then I would get match fit.

What is the wildest thing that you have done on a tour?
I am sure we have done so many things that off hand I don't remember any one.

Family gives a perspective
I don't think it changes much, but probably it gives you a different perspective. We play cricket on the field and leave it their. We do not take it home. But yes it helps a lot when your family is by your side when you are off the field.

Your son Raj, will he be a cricketer?
He will decide when he grows up. It is too early for me to say anything; he is just 2 years old. In a way, I am really enjoying every moment of the time I am spending with my family at present.